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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, February 25, 2025
Community Services Building
440 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
_____________________________________________________________________
A. OPEN SESSION TO HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION The Richmond City Council Evening Open Session was called to order at 4:31 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent:
Councilmember Soheila Bana arrived after adjourning to Closed Session.
C. JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND/SURPLUS PROPERTY
AUTHORITY MEETING
C.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) • Surplus Property Authority of the City of Richmond v. Riggers Loft Wine Company
CITY COUNCIL
C.2 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code
Section 54957.6)
• Agency Representatives: Sharrone Taylor, Jack Hughes, Lisa Charbonneau Employee organizations:
1. SEIU Local 1021 Full Time Unit and Part Time Unit
2. IFPTE Local 21 Mid-Level Management Unit and Executive Management Units
3. Richmond Police Officers Association RPOA
4. Richmond Police Management Association RPMA
5. IAFF Local 188
6. Richmond Fire Management Association RFMA
C.3 LIABILITY CLAIMS (Government Code Section 54956.9)
• Claimant: Jameiz Terrell
D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
Cordell Hindler gave comments in person.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 4:34 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 6:29 p.m.
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F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council was called to order at 6:32 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
G. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
H. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent:
None.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. AGENDA REVIEW
Items N.2.a (Port Contract with Haley and Aldrich, Inc. for Dredging Permitting Support and Slope Analysis at Terminal 2 and Other Port Areas) and N.3.a (Proclamation in Honor of June Albonico) were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Item N.2.a (Port Contract with Haley and Aldrich, Inc. for Dredging Permitting Support and Slope Analysis at Terminal 2 and Other Port Areas) was moved up to be heard before the Study and Action Session items. Item N.3.a (Proclamation in Honor of June Albonico) was moved up to be heard under Study and Action Session before item O.1 (Presentation and Proclamation Honoring the Establishment of the Guardians of Justice and Celebrating the Black Nine).
An additional proclamation honoring Judge Henry Ramsey Jr. was added to Item O.1 (Presentation and Proclamation Honoring the Establishment of the Guardians of Justice and Celebrating the Black Nine).
K. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
SURPLUS PROPERTY AUTHORITY
C.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (paragraph (1) of Subdivision [d] of Government Code Section 54956.9) • Surplus Property Authority of the City of Richmond v. Riggers Loft Wine Company
Status report given. No reportable action taken.
CITY COUNCIL
C.2 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code Section 54957.6)
• Agency Representatives: Sharrone Taylor, Jack Hughes, Lisa Charbonneau Employee organizations:
1. SEIU Local 1021 Full Time Unit and Part Time Unit
2. IFPTE Local 21 Mid-Level Management Unit and Executive Management Units
3. Richmond Police Officers Association RPOA
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4. Richmond Police Management Association RPMA
5. IAFF Local 188
6. Richmond Fire Management Association RFMA
Status report given. Direction given to negotiators. No reportable action taken.
C.3 LIABILITY CLAIMS (Government Code Section 54956.9) • Claimant: Jameiz Terrell
Discussed. No reportable action taken.
L. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
None.
M. OPEN FORUM FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
(public comment on items that remain on the Consent Calendar or items not on the agenda - limited to 2 minutes unless otherwise specified - Back and forth dialogue with the Council is prohibited)
The following individuals gave comments in person:
Cordell Hindler gave comments regarding the condition of City gym facilities and Nevin Plaza. Mr. Hindler suggested City gym facilities and Nevin Plaza be renovated.
Michelle Milam gave comments regarding Black History month celebrations and announced that Juneteenth celebrations would be held on June 21, 2025. Ms. Milam expressed appreciation for the councilmembers that made the effort to learn about City staff's duties. Ms. Milam also expressed concerns regarding housing options for the unhoused population.
Don Gosney gave comments regarding the increase in councilmember wages, the number of items on recent agendas, and the length of councilmember questions during council meetings.
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding police response to recent physical attacks he experienced.
Jamin Pursell thanked City staff for their support of community building events and announced that the Pride Festival would be held on June 1, 2025. Mr. Pursell suggested publicity for community festivals be increased.
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference:
Julie Freestone expressed concerns regarding illegal fireworks and requested that an item be brought to the Council for possible solutions.
Andrew Melendez gave comments thanking the City Council for his appointment to the Community Crisis Response Program Advisory Board.
N. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items placed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and noncontroversial. These items will be enacted upon together with a motion and second, without discussion, of any member of the City Council, and each item shall be deemed to have received the action recommended.)
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Motion by Councilmember Doria Robinson
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
To approve all items on the consent calendar excluding Items N.2.a (Port Contract with Haley and Aldrich, Inc. for Dredging Permitting Support and Slope Analysis at Terminal 2 and Other Port Areas) and N.3.a (Proclamation in Honor of June Albonico).
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
N.1 City Clerk's Office
N.1.a City Clerk's Office
APPROVE the minutes of the January 21 and January 28, 2025, regular City Council meetings - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620- 6513.
N.2 Economic Development
N.2.a Port Contract with Haley and Aldrich, Inc. for Dredging Permitting Support and Slope Analysis at Terminal 2 and Other Port Areas APPROVE a contract agreement with Haley and Aldrich, Inc. in the amount of $254,100, to secure permits to complete required maintenance dredging at Terminal 2, the Point Potrero Marine Terminal Berths 7 and 8, the Marina Bay Yacht Harbor, and conduct slope analysis at Terminal 2 with a term ending June 30, 2026, and APPROVE the transfer of $150,350 between projects in the Port’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget – Economic Development Department (Charles Gerard 510-620-6792).
Mayor Martinez introduced the item. Councilmember Wilson proposed an amendment to the recommended action to include language that required a community meeting to receive public input. Discussion ensued. Debbie Bayer and Sally Tobin gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Sue Wilson
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
To approve the item with the addition that as part of the project described Port staff and consultants Haley and Aldrich, Inc. would hold a community meeting to get input during the development of the sampling and analysis plan.
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
N.3 Mayor's Office
N.3.a Proclamation in Honor of June Albonico
PROCLAMATION in honor of the life and legacy of June Albonico – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
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Mayor Martinez introduced the item. Mayor Martinez made comments recognizing June Albonico's contributions to the community. Mayor Martinez read and presented the proclamation to the family members of June Albonico. The recipients of the proclamation gave comments in appreciation of the recognition.
N.3.b Proclamation Recognizing February 28, 2025, as Rare Disease Day in Richmond, California
PROCLAMATION recognizing February 28, 2025, as Rare Disease Day in Richmond, California – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510- 620-6503).
N.3.c Appointment of Xiao Feng Zhou to the Richmond-Zhoushan Friendship Commission
APPOINT Xiao Feng Zhou to the Richmond-Zhoushan Friendship Commission, with a term ending December 31, 2027 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.3.d Appointment of Andrew Melendez to the Community Crisis Response Program Advisory Board
APPOINT Andrew Melendez to the Community Crisis Response Program Advisory Board, term expires December 31, 2025 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
N.3.e Reappointment of Valeria Serrano to the Richmond Youth Council REAPPOINT Valeria Serrano to the Richmond Youth Council, term expires October 1, 2025 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510- 620-6503).
N.4 Police Department
N.4.a Contract Amendment No. 1 with Community Violence Solutions APPROVE the first contract amendment with Community Violence Solutions increasing the payment limit by $204,000, for a total contract payment limit of $384,000, and extending the term from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2027, to provide to the Richmond Police Department coordinated access and services at the Child Interview Center for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621-1802).
N.4.b Purchase of Four Laser Tech LTI 20/20 TruVISION Lidar Speed Guns with Digital Camera
APPROVE the purchase of four TruVISION lidar speed guns from Laser Tech Traffic Safety at a cost of $27,635.05 – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621-1802).
N.4.c Crime Report from Police Chief
RECEIVE a written crime report from the Police Chief - Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621-1802).
N.5 Public Works
N.5.a Construction Agreement with Rapid Services LLC, dba, Rapid Grading Services, for the 7th Street Bike Lane Improvement Project
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ADOPT a resolution approving a construction agreement with Rapid Services LLC, dba Rapid Grading Services, for the 7th Street Bike Lane Improvement Project in an amount not to exceed $269,000, and AUTHORIZE the Director of Public Works to approve change orders, if necessary, up to a 20 percent contingency amount of $53,800, for a total potential construction phase cost of $322,800 – Public Works Department (Hillal Hamdan 621-1612/Robert Armijo 620-5477/Daniel Chavarria 620- 5478).
Adopted Resolution No. 16-25
O. STUDY AND ACTION SESSION
O.1 Presentation and Proclamation Honoring the Establishment of the Guardians of Justice and Celebrating the Black Nine
RECEIVE a presentation from The Guardians of Justice on the history and contributions of the officers from the Black Nine towards advancing civil rights and police accountability, and PROCLAMATIONS recognizing the members of the Black Nine - Arthur Johnson, Douglas Ellison, Harold Redic, Marvin Smith, Michael Nichols, Ollie Glover, Otis Timmons, Rudolph Johnson, and Tecumseh "Danny" Nelson - Councilmembers Soheila Bana (510-672-3490), Doria Robinson (510-620-6568), and Jamelia Brown (510-412-2050).
Councilmember Bana introduced the item. Councilmember Bana gave background information regarding the Black Nine and the Guardians of Justice.
Members of the Guardians of Justice and family members of the Black Nine presented a PowerPoint. Link to view presentation: Guardians of Justice History.
Councilmember Bana presented certificates of recognition to past and current members of the Guardians of Justice. The proclamation honoring the Black Nine was read by councilmembers, members of the Guardians of Justice, and family members of the Black Nine. Councilmember Bana presented the proclamations to members of the Black Nine and their families. The proclamation honoring Judge Henry Ramsey Jr. was read by councilmembers, members of the Guardians of Justice, and family members of the Black Nine. Councilmember Bana presented the proclamation to the wife of Judge Henry Ramsey Jr.
Cordell Hindler, Michelle Milam, Mark Wassberg, Ben Therriault, Jamin Pursell, and Don Gosney gave comments in person.
O.2 Presentation from the United Teachers of Richmond on West Contra Costa Unified School District’s (WCCUSD) Fiscal Crisis
RECEIVE a presentation from the United Teachers of Richmond on West Contra Costa Unified School District’s Manufactured Fiscal Crisis and to review the financial practices of West Contra Costa Unified School District’s and to discuss recommendations on how to better support Richmond students and families - Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565).
Councilmember Jimenez introduced the item. Francisco Ortiz, Gabby Micheletti, and Richelle Milford of United Teachers of Richmond presented a PowerPoint.
Link to view presentation: WCCUSD Fiscal Crisis.
Cordell Hindler and Don Gosney gave comments in person. Marisol Cantu gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued.
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O.3 Presentation from AC Transit: Macdonald Avenue and Cutting Boulevard Transit Improvement Update
RECEIVE a presentation by Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
AC Transit External Affairs Representative Ryan Lau introduced the item. Mr.
Lau presented a PowerPoint. Link to view presentation: AC Transit Presentation.
Cordell Hindler gave comments in person. Discussion ensued.
O.4 Discuss and Provide Direction on Future City Council Meeting Start Times DISCUSS and PROVIDE DIRECTION to the City Clerk on the time of City Council meetings - Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda (510-685-5002).
Vice Mayor Zepeda introduced the item. Cordell Hindler, Don Gosney, Mark Wassberg, and Irania DeLaMora gave comments in person.
The Council discussed proposed adjustments to start City Council meetings earlier on a trial basis. The Council gave direction to staff to bring an item back to formally amend the Council Rules and Procedures for six months to change the start time of the Open Session to 3:30 p.m., Regular Session to 5:00 p.m., and to end all City Council meetings no later than 11:00 p.m. without the option of extension.
Motion by Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Seconded by Councilmember Soheila Bana
To change City Council meetings start times to 3:30 p.m. for the Open Session, 5:00 p.m. for the Regular Session, and end meetings at 11:00 p.m. for a six-month trial basis.
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
P. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF, AND GENERAL REPORTS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS)(limited to two minutes per
Councilmember)(public comments allowed under Open Forum) Councilmember Jimenez thanked Faith In Action East Bay for organizing the recent Interfaith Immigration Vigil held at St. Mark’s Catholic Church. Councilmember Jimenez also thanked City staff for organizing the Black History Celebration held in the Richmond Auditorium and Councilmember Robinson for her work with the Black History Museum.
Councilmember Brown thanked those that attended the Black History Celebration in the Richmond Auditorium and the Pinole Valley High School African American Student Union for hosting the Black History Month Commemorative Jubilee. Councilmember Brown congratulated the 2025 Chevron Richmond Black Employee Network, Dr.
William F. King scholarship recipients from the West Contra Costa Unified School District.
Mayor Martinez thanked the Richmond History Museum for hosting the Communities for a Better Environment event on February 22, 2025. Mayor Martinez also reported that he attended the Richmond Library documentary screening, "John Burris: Godfather of Police Litigation"
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Councilmember Bana reported that she attended the Day of Remembrance of Japanese- American Incarceration at the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park. Councilmember Bana thanked City Manager Shasa Curl for being agreeable to initiating a program on the oral history of Richmond.
Q. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:51 p.m., to meet again on March 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor